A community initiative is turning attention toward residents who often feel overlooked during the holidays as they work through recovery and reentry. The Fresh Start Project is collecting donated winter items and handwritten notes to offer practical support and encouragement. Richmond News and Excelsior Springs Standard General Manager Sharon Donat emphasized the project supports local recovery and re-entry groups and is aimed at people trying to stabilize their lives with limited resources. “Some are unhoused, some are coming out of treatment or incarceration, and all of them are trying to take the next right step,” said Donat. The Fresh Start Project collects practical items to help people get through winter while also emphasizing emotional support. Donat noted the drive is built around items participants specifically requested. The list includes gloves, hats, socks and blankets, along with things that carry uplifting or inspirational messages. The goal is to wrap “a little…